Propranolol
Information about Propranolol
Propranolol uses
Propranolol is used in the treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain), Arrhythmia, heart attack, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Anxiety, Tremors, Prevention of migraine and Pheochromocytoma.
How propranolol works
Propranolol contains Propranolol, a beta blocker. It works by affecting the body’s response to nerve impulses, especially in the heart. It slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. This prevents arrhythmia, stabilizes blood pressure and prevents a heart attack. It also widens the blood vessels in the body for better blood flow, thereby preventing angina as well as migraine. The exact mechanism by which it prevents tremors is not known, but experts believe that Propranolol helps block the nerve impulses to the muscles responsible for tremors. Propranolol helps block the effects of the chemical messengers namely, adrenaline and noradrenaline, that are produced by the brain and are responsible for increasing your heart rate which makes you feel anxious. This way it helps with anxiety. While treating pheochromocytoma, Propranolol may be given to block the action of high-adrenaline hormones, to lower the risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure during surgery for removing the tumor.
Common side effects of propranolol
Sleep disturbance, Fatigue, Low blood platelets, Psychosis, Mood changes, Hallucination, Myasthenia gravis, Slow heart rate, Nightmares, Cold extremities, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Hair loss, Purpura
Available Medicine for Propranolol
Expert advice for Propranolol
- It is not the first-choice treatment for high blood pressure according to the latest guidelines.
- It may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Propranolol can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Inform your doctor if you notice increased swelling around your legs or ankles, sudden weight gain or sudden shortness of breath as these may be symptoms of heart failure.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Propranolol
Propranolol
Q. My doctor has prescribed Propranolol even though my blood pressure is within normal limits. Is it because of the chest pain that I complained of?
Yes, it is possible that your doctor prescribed Propranolol for chest pain (angina). Propranolol is a beta-blocker that is used to lower high blood pressure, prevent angina, treat or prevent heart attacks or reduce your risk of heart problems following a heart attack. Propranolol is also used to treat irregularities in the heartbeat, including those caused by anxiety, essential tremor (shaking of the head, chin and hands). It also prevents migraine headaches, overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism), and bleeding in the food pipe caused by high blood pressure.
Q. When can I expect relief in my symptoms after starting Propranolol for high blood pressure?
Propranolol usually starts working within a few hours of taking it. However, it may take up to a week to see the full benefits of the symptoms of high blood pressure or heart conditions. You may not notice any difference, but that does not mean it is not working. However, keep taking this medicine as prescribed by your doctor because you will still be getting its full benefits.
Q. Can Propranolol be used in asthmatics?
No, Propranolol cannot be used in asthmatics. This is because using Propranolol in asthma patients can cause breathing problems, which may trigger an asthma attack. Always inform your doctor if you have or ever had asthma or any episodes of difficulty breathing, before starting treatment with Propranolol.